Murrumbidgee Regional Landcare Award winners

Left to right: Ms Sulari Goonetilleke (Chair, Murrumbidgee CMA), Geoff Henderson (Individual Landcarer Award winner and Deputy Chair, Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc), Ted Wolfe (Chair, Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc.)

Recipients of the 2013 Murrumbidgee Regional Landcare Awards:

Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices Award
Winner:  Environmental Champions Program - Ricegrowers Association 

Urban Landcare Award
Highly commended:  Queanbeyan Landcare Inc.
Winner:  Glenys Patulny (Southern ACT Catchment Group)

Indigenous Award
Highly commended: Balranald Inc.
Winner: Rod Mason (Bredbo)

Education Award
Highly commended: Henty Public School
Winner: Monaro High School Environmental Education Group

Landcare Community Group Award
Highly commended: Lachlan Fold Wildlife Action Group Inc.
Winner: Tarabandra Hills Box Gum Biolinks Project

Landcare Facilitator/Coordinator Award
Winner:  Louise Hufton (Harden Murrumburrah Landcare Group HMLG)

Individual Landcarer Award
Highly commended: Sue Connelly (Bredbo)
Highly commended: Ian Auldist (Hay)
Winner: Geoff Henderson (Binalong)

The outstanding contribution of community groups, schools and individuals in improving environmental outcomes for the Murrumbidgee catchment were celebrated at the 2013 Murrumbidgee Regional Landcare Awards.

Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Chair, Ms Sulari Goonetilleke, said the awards recognise the innovation, extraordinary vision and tireless commitment of Landcarers in our catchment. "Through their tireless commitment, sheer hard work and personal sacrifice, the future health of the Murrumbidgee catchment can be assured," said Ms Goonetilleke. "It's inspiring to see the high standard of submissions. It proves that ordinary, everyday people are achieving great things - keeping the Landcare ethic alive."  

Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc Chair, Dr Ted Wolfe said that the Murrumbidgee Regional Landcare Awards are an important opportunity for all of us to thank  the Award nominees for their stewardship, and to applaud their commitment and achievements. "The work of landcarers has been celebrated today, rewarding those who often shun the spotlight but demonstrate an extraordinary care for our environment and communities,” concluded Dr Wolfe.

The 2013 Murrumbidgee Regional Landcare Awards were facilitated by the Murrumbidgee CMA in partnership with Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc.
The Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the individuals and groups who are making a positive difference to natural resource management in our catchment.

Twenty-two nominations were received overall and the winners of the seven categories will be offered the opportunity to attend the 2013 Landcare and Catchment Management Forum to be held in Newcastle on 3-5 September 2013, where they will represent the Murrumbidgee region in the NSW State Landcare Awards.